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Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Article

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Year: 2020, Volume: 19, Issue: 1, Pages: 7-13

Original Article

Development Studies On Microemulsion Gels Containing Herbal Excipients as Permeation Enhancers

Abstract

Objective: Acyclovir is an effective antiviral medication used in the management of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections. Although acyclovir sodium exhibits high solubility, it has low permeability, resulting in suboptimal bioavailability, necessitating elevated dosages, which can lead to increased side effects. The objective of this study was to formulate an oral microemulsion gel utilising a herbal excipient to enhance the permeability and bioavailability of acyclovir, thereby minimising the required doses and associated adverse effects. Methods: Microemulsions were developed by systematically titrating different oil-to-surfactant ratios in an aqueous phase, as illustrated in a pseudo-ternary phase diagram. The evaluation included parameters, such as clarity, dilution shock, in vitro drug release, and ileal permeability. This method offers advantages such as reduced processing time, minimal exposure to high temperatures, and effective drug-loading efficiency. Findings: The stable microemulsion gel composed of Captex 200, Tween 80, ethanol, water, propylene glycol, 100% Aloe vera, and 2% Carbopol demonstrated a fourfold enhancement in ileal permeability when compared to the acyclovir sodium solution. Novelty: Aloe vera gel improves the permeation of microemulsions, thereby enhancing the intestinal permeability and bioavailability of BCS class III pharmaceuticals. This formulation has the potential to be administered through soft gel capsules.

Keywords: Acyclovir sodium, Aloe vera, BCS class III drugs, Permiability 200, Microemulsion gel, Permeability

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Copyright

© 2020 Published by Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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